Senior Packaging Engineer - Packaging Design/Development

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University

Bonus eligible

401(k) plan

Paid time off

On-site Chicago

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer in Chicago to lead packaging development for our BFY brands. You will own hands-on innovation, supplier transitions, line trials, and robust qualification work across KIND, RXBAR, Special K, Nutri-Grain, Kashi, and Pure Organics.

You’ll drive technical governance, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply chain to deliver scalable packaging solutions. Travel 30–40% is expected.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on, concept-to-launch packaging experience in consumer goods, preferably in food packaging.
• Proven track record in technical qualification and plant start-ups with trial plans and qualifications.
• Deep technical expertise in packaging materials and equipment with robust specs.
• Strong project management skills with timelines, risk assessments, and supplier coordination.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to challenge the status quo and align cross-functional teams.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Willingness to travel ~30–40% to plants, co‑manufacturers and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead Package Development: scope, prototype, test, and validate packaging for BFY portfolio.
• Drive Commercialization & Trials: execute pilot runs, line trials, and tech qualifications.
• Author Specifications: create detailed packaging component specs for quality and efficiency.
• Manage Supplier Partnerships: oversee technical relationships and supplier qualification.
• Execute Technical Governance: plan rigorous trials with risk assessments and contingencies.
• Champion Process & Mentorship: guide junior engineers and advance packaging solutions.
• Collaborate Cross‑Functional: work with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply chain.

Skills

Packaging engineering

Project management

Technical qualifications

Supplier management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field

Job description

Job Description: Senior Packaging Engineer Location: Chicago, IL (Wells St. Office) Segment: Mars Snacking Accelerator (Better-For-You Business Unit) Brands Supported: KIND, RXBAR, Special K Bars, Nutri-Grain Bars, Kashi, and Pure Organics Manager: Director, R&D Packaging Direct Reports: N/A

Accelerator, a global Division of Mars Snacking, is on the front line of unlocking growth across high-potential categories and brands to fuel what’s next for Snacking. It’s home to both emerging and enduring brands, including KIND, TRÜ FRÜ, NATURE'S BAKERY, RXBAR, EGGO, POP-TAPTS and RICE KRISPIE TREATS. Combining the scale of Mars with the agility of a start-up, our Division has the ambition to accelerate the future of snacking by delivering products consumers love today, discovering category-shaping innovations for tomorrow and developing entrepreneurial teams whose impact will last for generations. We’re looking for passionate talent who dare to dream big, agile collaborators who talk straight and decide fast, and driven performers with a growth mindset. We’re proudly part of Mars, while also building something boldly different. If this inspires and energizes you, you’ve found the right place where you can do cool things with fun people for one of the biggest snacking companies in the world!

As our Senior Packaging Engineer within the Better-For-You (BFY) business unit, you will be the driving force behind the development and optimization of packaging across iconic brands like KIND, RXBAR, Special K, Nutri-Grain, Kashi, and Pure Organics. Operating from our Chicago office on Wells St., you will take hands‑on ownership of high‑impact innovation, rebranding projects, and business‑critical value leadership initiatives. In your first six months, you will hit the ground running by leading critical supplier transitions, managing line trials, and driving packaging qualifications for our granola and bar portfolios—bringing deep technical rigor and fresh energy to our collaborative team.

What are we looking for?

• 6+ years of hands‑on, concept‑to‑launch packaging experience in consumer goods (previous experience in food packaging or highly matrixed environments is preferred).
• Proven track record in technical qualification and plant start‑ups, with experience executing trial plans and qualification runs on manufacturing lines.
• Deep technical expertise in packaging materials and equipment, with the ability to build robust packaging specifications from scratch.
• Strong project management skills, with experience developing technical timelines, managing risk assessments, and coordinating supplier deliverables.
• An entrepreneurial "Test & Learn" mindset with a demonstrated ability to challenge the status quo, make decisions quickly, and build alignment across cross‑functional teams.
• Academic Foundation: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a highly related technical field.
• Travel Flexibility: Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30-40% to manufacturing plants, co‑manufacturers, and supplier locations.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Lead Package Development: Direct the scoping, prototyping, testing, and validation of innovative packaging materials and formats across the BFY portfolio (KIND, RXBAR, Special K Bars, Nutri‑Grain Bars, Kashi, and Pure Organics).
• Drive Commercialization & Trials: Plan and execute pilot runs, packaging line trials, and technical qualifications at internal plants, co‑packers, and co‑manufacturers.
• Author Specifications: Develop and manage highly accurate, detailed technical specifications for all packaging components to ensure quality, value, and seamless plant execution.
• Manage Supplier Partnerships: Directly manage technical relationships with packaging suppliers to source materials, evaluate capabilities, and qualify new partners.
• Execute Technical Governance: Build and execute rigorous trial plans, risk assessments, and contingency options for complex innovation and renovation programs.
• Champion Process & Mentorship: Act as a technical mentor to junior engineers, driving modern packaging solutions and evolving our technical ways of working.
• Collaborate Cross‑Functional: Serve as the core R&D Packaging lead to collaborate seamlessly with Marketing, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory, and Supply chain teams.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. Best‑in‑class learning development support from day one, including access to our in‑house Mars University. An industry‑competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus. #Marsjobs #LI-LD1 #LI-Onsite

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 108,160.00 - USD 148,720.00

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN'S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.